Packaged dental composition

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a container enclosing an applicator and a dental composition including a volatile organic solvent. The container is sealed. The volatile organic solvent is effectively retained within the container, even after storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably the container is made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/668,946 (Case LDC-922-1E) filed Sep. 23, 2003,which claims the benefit from Provisional Application No. 60/319,581filed Sep. 27, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to packaged dental compositions. In accordancewith the invention is provided a container enclosing an applicator and adental composition having one or more volatile components.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container supporting an implement andenclosing an applicator and a dental composition having one or morevolatile components in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a container enclosing an implementhaving applicator and a dental composition having one or more volatilecomponents in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a container enclosing anapplicator and a dental composition having one or more volatilecomponents in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a holder.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the container andimplement arm shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the container shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handle andconnector flange of the container shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a container enclosing anapplicator and a dental composition having one or more volatilecomponents in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the container andimplement arm shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a container, applicator andcomposition in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the container,implement and composition shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a container, applicator andcomposition in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the container,implement and composition shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is now described in reference to FIGS. 1 through 12. Withmore particular reference to FIG. 1 is seen a unit dose packaging system1, which includes enclosure 2, implement 3 and dental composition 4,which also includes polymerizable material. Enclosure 2 encloses thelower portion of implement 3 and dental composition 4. The lower portionof implement 3 is connected to applicator 5. Implement 3 is supported byenclosure 2. Enclosure 2 is made of a molded polymeric material, whichretains volatile organic solvent, such as a copolymer of a cycloolefinand an olefin. Preferably dental composition 4 is hermetically sealedand stored in unit dose system 1 for at least 6 months effectivelywithout loss of volatile organic solvent from dental composition 4.

With more particular reference to FIG. 2 is seen a unit dose packagingsystem 6, which includes enclosure 7, implement 8 and dental composition9, which also includes polymerizable material. Enclosure 7 enclosesimplement 8 and dental composition 9. Implement 8 is connected toapplicator 8A. Implement 8 is enclosed by enclosure 7. Enclosure 7 ismade of a molded polymeric material, which retains volatile organicsolvent, such as a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. Preferablydental composition 9 is hermetically sealed and stored in unit dosesystem 6 for at least 6 months effectively without loss of volatileorganic solvent from dental composition 9.

With more particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 is seen a unit dosepackaging system 10, which includes implement 11 and container 12, andhandle 20 which is integrally connected to connector flange 19.Container 12 has inner container wall 13 enclosing dental composition14. Connector flange 19 fits over cover flange 18. Container 12 isadapted to break open along a line formed by a groove 26. When container12 is broken, implement 11 is free to be used to remove portions ofdental composition 14 from base portion 28 of container 12. Aftercontainer 12 is broken, implement 11 has elongated arm 17, handle 20 andapplicator 22. Cover flange 18 is integral with elongated arm 17.Elongated arm 17 and cover flange 18 are preferably integrally connectedand made, for example by molding a flexible material, such as lowdensity polyethylene or polypropylene. The upper portion of elongatedarm 17 has ribs 17R, which are press fit into inner chamber wall 20W ofhandle 20. Container 12, connector flange 19 and handle 20 are made of amolded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. Dental composition 14includes a volatile organic solvent. Dental composition 14 iseffectively completely enclosed within molded copolymer of a cycloolefinand an olefin, which retains the volatile organic solvent. Preferablydental composition 14 also includes polymerizable material.

Container 12 has a cylindrical container wall. The applicator 22 issupported by elongated arm 17. Elongated arm 17 is supported byconnector flange 19. Cover flange 18 seals one end of inner containerwall 13. Cover flange 18 is sealed between end wall 12E of container 12and inner capping wall 19C of connector flange 19. The cover flange 18and inner container wall 13 enclose a chamber.

The container 12 is adapted to break open along a line formed by agroove 26 extending circumferentially around the outer surface ofcontainer 12. Container 12 has a first outer flange 42. Inner side wall19B forms a hermetic seal with the first outer flange 42. Container 12has a second outer flange 44. The closure is supported by and forms ahermetic seal with second outer flange 44. Handle 20 is connectedthrough implement arm 17 to applicator 22. Container 12 is adapted tobreak open along groove 26. Before, during and after breaking opencontainer 12, applicator 22 remains connected to handle 20. Aftercontainer 12 is broken open the user holds handle 20 while dippingapplicator 22 into dental composition 14 in the lower portion of thecontainer 12. Then, while holding handle 20, the user applies theportion of dental composition 14 on applicator 22 to a dental tooth.

The dental composition in unit dose system 10 is stored for weeks,months or even years without significant loss of volatile organicsolvent from dental composition 14. Preferably a dental composition isstored in unit dose system 10 for at least 6 months effectively withoutloss of volatile organic solvent from dental composition 14. Coverflange 18 is integrally connected to elongated arm 17, as shown in FIG.4. Container 12 has end wall 12E, as shown in FIG. 5. Connector flange19 has inner capping wall 19C, as shown in FIG. 6.

In use, container 12 is preferably held vertically so that the volatiledental composition 14 is in base portion 28, below cover flange 18.Thus, base portion 28 of container 12 may be placed in holder H. Then,container 12 is broken at notch 26, and base portion 28 is placed in aholder, which is supported on a horizontal surface. Cover flange 18 iscarried by handle 20. The user dispenses dental material on applicator22 from the base portion 28, while the base portion 28 is supported inthe holder. The user dispenses dental material by inserting applicator22 into the broken open end of container 12. For example, whilecontainer 12 is supported in a holder supported on a horizontal surface.Applicator 22 is, for example, a bristle brush or a flocked element.

Handle 20 has a central handle axis. Container 12 has a centralcontainer axis. Elongated arm 17 has a central arm axis. The centralhandle axis, the central container axis and the central arm axis arecoaxial.

With more particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is seen a unit dosepackaging system 70, which includes implement 71 and container 72 andhandle 80, which is integrally connected to connector flange 79.Container 72 has inner container wall 73 enclosing dental composition74. Cover flange 78 is optional. Connector flange 79 fits over coverflange 78. Container 72 is adapted to break open along a line formed bya groove 86. When container 72 is broken, implement 71 is free to beused to remove portions of dental composition 74 from base portion 88 ofcontainer 72. After container 72 is broken, implement 71 has elongatedarm 77, handle 80 and applicator 82. Cover flange 78 is integral withelongated arm 77. Elongated arm 77 and cover flange 78 are preferablyintegrally connected and made, for example by molding a flexiblematerial, such as polypropylene. The upper portion of elongated arm 77has outer wall 77W, which is injection molded into the chamber formedwithin inner chamber wall 80W. The upper portion of elongated arm 77 issealed into inner chamber wall 80W of handle 80. Container 72, connectorflange 79 and handle 80 are made of a molded copolymer of a cycloolefinand an olefin. Dental composition 74 includes a volatile organicsolvent. Dental composition 74 is effectively completely enclosed withinmolded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin, which retains thevolatile organic solvent. Preferably dental composition 74 also includespolymerizable material.

Container 72 has a cylindrical container wall. The applicator 82 issupported by elongated arm 77. Elongated arm 77 is supported byconnector flange 79. Cover flange 78 seals one end of inner containerwall 73. Cover flange 78 is sealed between end wall 72E of container 72and inner capping wall 79C of connector flange 79. The cover flange 78and inner container wall 73 enclose a chamber. The container 72 isadapted to break open along a line formed by a groove 86 extendingcircumferentially around the container.

The dental composition in unit dose system 70 is stored for weeks,months or even years without significant loss of volatile organicsolvent from dental composition 74. Preferably a dental composition isstored in unit dose system 70 for at least 6 months effectively withoutloss of volatile organic solvent from dental composition 74. Coverflange 78 is integrally connected to elongated arm 77. Container 72 hasend wall 72E. Connector flange 79 has inner capping wall 79C.

In use, container 72 is preferably held vertically so that the volatiledental composition 74 is in base portion 88, below cover flange 78.Thus, base portion 28 of container 72 may be placed in a holder. Then,container 72 is broken at notch 86, and base portion 88 is placed in aholder, which is supported on a horizontal surface. The user dispensesdental composition 74 on applicator 82 from the base portion 88, whilethe base portion 88 is supported in the holder. The user dispensesdental material by inserting applicator 82 into the broken open end ofcontainer 72. For example, while container 72 is supported in a holdersupported on a horizontal surface. Applicator 82 is, for example, abristle brush or a flocked element.

With more particular reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 is seen a unit dosesystem 101 having implement 111, unit dose container 112 and handle 120.Container 112 has inner container wall 113 enclosing a dentalcomposition 114. Implement 111 is supported by container 112. Implement111 has elongated arm 117 and applicator 122. Applicator 122 issupported by elongated arm 117. Container 112 and handle 120 are made ofa molded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. Elongated arm 117 ispreferably made of a flexible material, such as polypropylene.Applicator 122 is, for example, a bristle brush or a flocked element.Dental composition 114 includes a volatile organic solvent. Preferablydental composition 114 also includes polymerizable material. Container112 has a planar lower surface 140, which supports system 101 in anupright position on horizontal surfaces.

Inner container wall 113 of container 112 has an upper cylindricalportion 142. Upper portion 150 of elongated arm 117 has ribs 152, 154and 156. Ribs 152, 154 and 156 are press fit into upper cylindricalportion 142 of container 112. Elongated arm 117 has readily bendableportion 130, which is adjacent to groove 126.

Locking flange 180 of container 112 extends into sealing groove 182 ofhandle 120. Container 112 is hermetically sealed through by ultrasonicsealing locking flange 180 to sealing groove 182 of inner container wall113. Hermetic sealing is carried out, for example, by thermal welding orultrasonic welding. Container 112 is adapted to break open along a lineformed by a groove 126 extending circumferentially around the container.

Dental composition 114 in unit dose system 101 is stored for weeks,months or years without significant loss of volatile organic solventfrom dental composition 114. Preferably a dental composition is storedin unit dose system 101 for at least 6 months effectively without lossof volatile organic solvent from dental composition 114.

With more particular reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is seen a container212, dental composition 214, implement 211 and handle 220. Implement 211has an elongated arm 217 with an applicator 222 supported at its lowerend. Readily bendable portion 230 of elongated arm 217 is adjacent togroove 226. Container 212 and handle 220 are made of a molded copolymerof a cycloolefin and an olefin. Dental composition 214 includes avolatile organic solvent. Container 212 is adapted to be broken atgroove 226. Cylindrical portion 228 of implement 211 has snap ring 260,which forms a connection with upper portion 282 of inner container wall213 along upper cylindrical portion 242. Snap ring 260 fits into andforms a connection to inner channel 262 in inner portion 282 of innercontainer wall 213.

Outer wall 280 of handle 220 is hermetically sealed with upper portion282 of inner container wall 213 along upper cylindrical portion 242.Inner container wall 213 forms a hermetic seal with outer wall 280 ofhandle 220, for example, by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding.

Container 212 has a planar lower surface 240, which supports system 201in an upright position on horizontal surfaces. Inner container wall 213has an upper cylindrical portion 242. Elongated arm 217 is preferablymade of a flexible material, such as polypropylene. Applicator 222 is,for example, a bristle brush or a flocked element. Elongated arm 217 hasa wide cylindrical portion 228 above readily bendable portion 230, whichis adjacent to groove 226.

Dental composition 214 in unit dose system 201 is stored for weeks,months or years without significant loss of volatile organic solventfrom dental composition 214. Preferably a dental composition is storedin unit dose system 201 for at least 6 months effectively without lossof volatile organic solvent from dental composition 214.

Exemplary thermoplastic polymeric cycloolefin- olefin- copolymer formaking containers and closures, such as handles, covers and connectorsuseful in accordance with the invention are disclosed in EP 407,870; EP156,464 and EP 283,164. Thus each discloses copolymers of cycloolefinand olefin useful for making containers and closures such as covers,connectors and handles, for use in accordance with the invention. Openchain olefins, as used herein, refers to noncyclic olefins and includelinear open chain olefins, straight chain olefins, branched chainolefins and branched open chain olefins. Open chain olefins are notclosed chain olefins or ring olefins. Linear open chain olefins are mostpreferred open chain olefins for use in making copolymer for use inaccordance with the invention.

Single unit dosage, as used herein, refers to volumes of a dentalcomposition between 0.01 and 1 ml. Volatile component, as used herein,refers to a component (of a dental composition) having vapor pressuremore than that of water at 20° C. Volatile organic solvents, as usedherein, refers to organic solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, whichare more volatile than water at 20° C.

High permeability barrier capability for water, as used herein, refersto polymeric material having a water vapor permeability below 0.07 g(mm)(m²)(d¹) measured by DIN 53122 at 23° C. and 85 percent relativehumidity. High penetration barrier capability of a polymeric materialfor water, as used herein, refers to a less than 3 percent by weightincrease of a composition due to infusion of water through the polymericmaterial while the composition is enclosed in the polymeric material forat least two weeks at 37° C.

High penetration barrier capability for solvent of a polymeric material,as used herein, refers to less than 2 percent by weight loss of polarorganic solvents from a composition having at least 5 percent by weightof polar organic solvent(s) while enclosed in the polymeric material forat least two weeks at 37° C.

High chemical resistance of polymeric material, as used herein, refersto polymeric material having both a less than 3 percent by weightincrease of the polymeric material, and a less than 0.5 percent byweight decrease of the polymeric material while the polymeric materialis immersed in water and/or solvent for at least two weeks at 37° C. Aweight decrease of the polymeric material while enclosing a dentalcomposition (and/or immersed in water and/or solvent) may be due todiffusion of components of the polymeric material from the polymericmaterial, and may cause contamination of the dental composition bycomponents of the polymeric material. A weight increase of the polymericmaterial while enclosing a dental composition and/or immersed in waterand/or solvent may be due to infusion of water and/or solvent into thepolymeric material, and may indicate that the polymeric material allowsloss (or gain) of solvent from the dental composition and/or watercontamination of a dental composition.

Dental compositions 4, 9, 14, 114 and 214 are enclosed by enclosures 2and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212 respectively. Dental compositions4, 9, 14, 114 and 214 each include a volatile organic solvent. Dentalcompositions 4, 9, 14, 114 and 214 preferably include a polymerizablematerial. Dental compositions 4, 9, 14, 114 and 214 are stored forweeks, months or even years without significant loss of volatile organicsolvent from enclosures 2 and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212.

Enclosures 2 and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212 and cover 18, andhandles 120 and 220 are made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and anolefin. Exemplary thermoplastic polymeric cycloolefin- olefin-copolymeruseful for storage stable packaging of dental composition in accordancewith the invention are disclosed in EP 407,870; EP 156,464 and EP283,164. Thus, each discloses copolymers of cycloolefin and olefinuseful for making containers, closures, implement arms, covers andconnectors, for use in accordance with the invention.

Copolymer of cycloolefin and open chain olefin useful for storage stablepackaging of dental composition in accordance with the invention havethe following properties: thermoplasticity, suitable forinjection-molding, high moisture-barrier capability, high barriercapability towards organic solvents, high chemical resistance, highrigidity, and suitability for sealing via thermal welding or ultrasonicwelding. Preferred copolymers of cycloolefin and open chain olefin foruse in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention arecopolymers of norbomene and ethylene for example thenorbomene-ethylene-copolymer sold by Ticona GmbH as Topas 6013 and Topas8007. Both Topas 6013 and Topas 8007 norbomene-ethylene-copolymer havethe following properties: thermoplasticity, can be processed onconventional injection molding machines; high moisture vapor barrier:permeability of 0.023 Topas 8007 and 0.035 Topas 6013 (g)(mm/m²)(24hours) at 23° C., 85% relative humidity, high barrier capability towardspolar organic solvents such as acetone, high resistance towards water,strong acids and bases, and polar organic solvents such as methanol,ethanol and acetone, high rigidity: yield stress of 66 MPa, and tensilemodulus of 3200 MPa.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided adental composition including a solvent and a polymerizable materialenclosed by a container comprising a copolymer of a cycloolefin and anolefin. The dental composition is at least 1 percent by weight solvent,both before and after, storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably,the dental composition is at least 10 percent by weight solvent, bothbefore and after, storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably, atleast 99 percent of the solvent remains in the container after storage.More preferably, at least 99.5-99.8 percent of the solvent remains inthe container after storage. Most preferably the solvent is a volatileorganic solvent and at least 99.9 percent of the solvent remains in thecontainer after storage.

Various alterations and modifications of the invention will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it should be understood thatthe invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forthherein.

1. A storage stable enclosed dental composition, comprising: acontainer, an implement and a dental composition, said implement havingan elongated arm and an applicator, said applicator being supported bysaid arm, said applicator and said dental composition being enclosed bysaid container, said container comprising a copolymer of a cycloolefinand an open chain olefin, said dental composition, comprising at least 1percent by weight of volatile organic solvent, at least 99 percent ofsaid solvent remaining in said dental composition in said containerafter storage at about 43° C. for one week.
 2. The storage stableenclosed dental composition of claim 1 wherein said dental compositionfurther comprises a polymerizable material.
 3. The storage stableenclosed dental composition of claim 1 wherein said volatile organicsolvent comprises at least 10 percent by weight of said dentalcomposition.
 4. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim1 wherein said container is molded and has an average wall thickness offrom about 0.4 mm to about 6 mm.
 5. The storage stable enclosed dentalcomposition of claim 1 wherein said packaged dental composition isstored at about 23° C. for at least one year and at least 80 percent ofsaid volatile organic solvent remains in said container.
 6. The storagestable enclosed dental composition of claim 1 wherein said packageddental composition is stored at about 23° C. for at least two years andat least 90 percent of said volatile organic solvent remains in saidcontainer.
 7. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1wherein said packaged dental composition is stored at about 23° C. forat least two years and at least 95 percent of said volatile organicsolvent remains in said container.
 8. The storage stable enclosed dentalcomposition of claim 1 wherein said volatile organic solvent comprisesacetone.
 9. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 20 percent byweight acetone both before and after storage at about 23° C. for twoyears and at least 95 percent of said volatile organic solvent remainsin said container after said storage.
 10. The storage stable encloseddental composition of claim 1 wherein said packaged dental compositionis at least 20 percent by weight acetone both before and after storageat about 23° C. for one year and at least 90 percent of said acetoneremains in said container after said storage.
 11. The storage stableenclosed dental composition of claim 1 wherein said packaged dentalcomposition is at least 40 percent by weight acetone both before andafter storage at about 23° C. for two years and at least 95 percent ofsaid volatile organic solvent remains in said container after saidstorage.
 12. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 40 percent byweight acetone both before and after storage at about 23° C. for oneyear and at least 90 percent of said acetone remains in said containerafter said storage.
 13. The storage stable enclosed dental compositionof claim 1 wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 50percent by weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23° C.for two years and at least 95 percent of said volatile organic solventremains in said container after said storage.
 14. The storage stableenclosed dental composition of claim 1 wherein said packaged dentalcomposition is at least 50 percent by weight acetone both before andafter storage at about 23° C. for one year and at least 90 percent ofsaid acetone remains in said container after said storage.
 15. Thestorage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1 further comprisinga closure, and wherein said container has inner and outer wall faces,and said container outer wall face has a groove, said applicator issupported by said closure, said closure having a cover and a connector,said connector having an inner and end wall faces, said connector innerwall face sealing and engaging said container end outer wall face, saidcover and said container inner wall face enclosing a chamber, saidcontainer wall having a first outer flange, said connector end wall facesealing and engaging said first outer flange.
 16. The storage stableenclosed dental composition of claim 15, wherein said container wall hasa second outer flange.
 17. The storage stable enclosed dentalcomposition of claim 16, wherein said closure is supported by at leastone outer flange.
 18. The storage stable enclosed dental composition ofclaim 1 wherein said container has an outer wall with a groove, and saidcontainer wall is adapted to break open along said groove.
 19. Thestorage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 18, wherein saidgroove forms a line extending circumferentially around said container.20. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 16, whereinsaid elongated arm extends through said container and said elongated armis supported by said container.
 21. A stored enclosed dental productmade by the process comprising: enclosing an applicator and a dentalcomposition having at least one volatile component in a container, saidcontainer comprising thermoplastic polymer having a high chemicalresistance and a high permeability barrier capability for water, andstoring said dental composition in said container for at least two weeksat 37° C. and after said two weeks at least 90 percent of said volatilecomponent remains in said dental composition in said container.
 22. Astored enclosed dental product made by the process comprising: enclosingan applicator and a dental adhesive composition comprising volatileorganic solvent in a container, said container comprising athermoplastic copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, andeffectively retaining said volatile organic solvent in said dentalcomposition while storing said dental composition in said container forat least 1 week at about 23° C.
 23. The product of claim 22 wherein saiddental composition is a single unit dosage and said thermoplasticpolymer has a high chemical resistance, a high penetration barriercapability for water, high penetration barrier capability for solventand a high permeability barrier capability for water.
 24. The storedenclosed dental product of claim 22 wherein said solvent comprises apolar organic solvent, said copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chainolefin has a high permeability barrier capability for water and highchemical resistance, and at least 90 percent of said polar organicsolvent remains in said dental composition in said container whilestored at about 23° C. for about two years.
 25. The stored encloseddental product by the process of claim 24 wherein said dentalcomposition comprises at least 1 percent by weight of said solvent, andat least 99 percent of said solvent remains in said dental compositionin said container after said storage.
 26. The stored enclosed dentalproduct by the process of claim 24 wherein said dental compositioncomprises at least 15 percent by weight of said solvent, and at least99.8 percent of said solvent remains in said dental composition in saidcontainer after said storage.
 27. The stored enclosed dental product bythe process of claim 24 wherein said dental composition bonds to dentinwith effectively the same amount of bond strength before and after saidstoring.
 28. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim22 further comprising a handle, said handle being supported by andconnected to said container.
 29. The stored enclosed dental product bythe process of claim 28 wherein said handle is connected through animplement arm to said applicator, and said container has an outer wallwith a groove, and said container wall is adapted to break open alongsaid groove, while said applicator remains connected to said handle. 30.The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 29 whereinsaid implement arm is low density polyethylene or polypropylene.